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Why Earn a Master’s in Health Informatics Degree?

For some universities, a master’s in health informatics program, or MS in health informatics, is a new offering in health information education. These schools added these health informatics programs in answer to a demand for candidates with a more in-depth, specialized knowledge in the field of health informatics or information technology within the industry. Federal regulations and the rapidly expanding field of electronic health records mean that, at every level of education, students need to study, learn, and understand the need for keeping each patient’s records confidential. Luckily, this comes in the middle of an online learning boom, meaning that online degrees are already an option for these programs.

Graduates with an online or more traditional Master of Science in Health Informatics should have the knowledge needed to handle this complex field. In addition, a good master's in health informatics degree program means that students will be able to carry out research methods and data analytics used by health administration and other healthcare professionals. After completing their curriculum, they will also be able to understand the concepts of information technology in healthcare organizations, foundations of information security, and information management for those who manage these projects. Below are some other subjects you might find in on-campus or online master's in health informatics programs in this field, weather as main core courses or elective courses.

  • Computer Science
  • Medical Terminology
  • Health Information Management
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Biomedical Informatics and Medical Informatics
  • Clinical Informatics
  • Public Health
  • Health Information Systems
  • Data Science
  • Medical Data or Health Data Analytics
  • Health Administration or Healthcare Management
  • Project Management
  • Ethical Issues in the American Healthcare System
  • And More

PROS

The HITECH Act requires healthcare providers to create and maintain electronic medical records for every patient in the US. This is a tall order, but students who graduate from master's in health informatics programs will have the required education and knowledge of health information management, health information systems, and modern health information technology to be able to keep a system accessible to a health center’s employees and safe from outside interference.

There is one huge positive, which is the rapid growth of education and degrees in health informatics or health administration informatics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the job growth in this field alone will be 22% by 2021. This growth rate doubles the overall growth rate of all jobs.

If you have a medical background, already have a career in health (nursing or physician), or an IT or information management education, then you’re especially well-suited to enter health informatics, and you can earn a degree in health informatics online while you continue to work. A master's in health informatics will allow future health informatics professionals to build on any previous education they have.

Candidates for a master’s in health informatics program are putting themselves at the front of efforts to take charge of our healthcare system and will be in a good position to enter healthcare management or health administration with their knowledge of health information and the healthcare industry. By employing health information management concepts and information technology, both the quality of healthcare and its efficiency can be improved through the use of biomedical informatics, clinical informatics, and good health data.

CONS

While a health informatics master’s degree is an enviable achievement to pursue, you may not want to return to school. If you’re considering it but you’re still not sure you want to enter a master’s program, this may be a sign for you.

Stop and take a close look at your motivations for starting the admissions process. Maybe a family member is pushing you to earn your master’s in health informatics (or any degree).

You may be happy doing the work you’re doing at the bachelor’s level. This is perfectly fine. You have a large amount of knowledge from your health informatics bachelor’s degree and your work may already be helping to ensure that your employer’s health information system is secure.

Another consideration is money. School at any level is expensive and you may not want to add to your student loan burden at this time. Again, this is a valid concern. The decision to return to school is individual and those who already have a career in health may not see the need to add to their knowledge base in this area.

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Overview of a Master's in Healthcare Informatics

What Healthcare Informatics Master’s Degrees are Available Online?

  • Online Master's in Health Informatics
    In this program, students learn current information and practice in managing healthcare information electronically. Look for programs that offer practical experience and graduate training. You should be ready to work in any health-related field; public health, clinical care, medical research, or consumer health.
  • Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
    Help transform the US healthcare industry by selecting a master’s in health informatics degree. Most universities do realize that this field is changing at a rapid pace and are seeking the best-qualified students.
  • Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
    No matter its name, this degree should enable you to use the advanced information systems available today, allowing you to develop systems that are more productive and efficient. If you are already a healthcare professional seeking to improve how your organization uses informatics, a master’s in health informatics degree is a good start.
  • Online Master of Science in Information Technology, Health Informatics
    Your knowledge and profession mean you are in high demand in the healthcare field. You know how to blend advanced technology with facility operations and patient care. Today’s technology will continue to grow, so you are needed for your specialized knowledge.

    Find Your Online Health Informatics Program

Admission Requirements

Meet these admission requirements:

  • Send one official transcript in a sealed envelope to each university you’re interested in
  • Submit a resume of no more than two pages
  • Submit a goals statement detailing how a Health Informatics Master’s Degree will enhance your career goals
  • If you have attended a college or university outside the US, you must submit a course-by-course evaluation with a GPA calculation and a TOEFL score.
  • Understand that students attending online and students who plan to learn in a traditional classroom will need to provide the same admissions documents.

If you lack any educational or professional experience, you will have to take prerequisite courses. Some universities may allow you to take these while enrolled in the MS program.

How long does it take to earn a Health Informatics Master’s Online?

In an online master’s program, you will not have to take any more general education courses. However, prerequisite courses may be necessary.

Depending on the program you are accepted into, you may be able to complete your online master’s program in about two years. If you are enrolled in an online program, you may be able to move at a more comfortable speed, taking one course per term. Because the coursework is so intense, it may not be a good idea to attempt more than this unless your advisor approves your request. However, you should not attempt this if you are working full-time.

Potential Careers in Health Informatics with an online Master’s

You will have a range of career choices once you graduate from your master’s program. If you already come from a medical profession, this degree will enhance your skills. Likewise, an IT degree is helpful.

  • Informatics Nurse
    You cover the gap between information technology and clinical healthcare. You’ll be responsible for evaluating the operations of a healthcare facility to pinpoint which IT applications will improve efficiency. You may train staff on all new systems, keep users up-to-date, and facilitate communication.
    Average annual salary: $79,100
  • Clinical Informatics Specialist
    Your first and most important role is to digitalize medical records, using the systems your employer uses. You create the processes and improve the procedures, then document them for the medical staff. You’ll oversee the transition of paper documents to a full, digital system.
    Average annual salary: $77,800
  • Health Informatics Specialist
    Your role here is similar to the informatics nurse. You’ll work closely with implementing technology in your healthcare setting. You may train staff on the systems and procedures being used. You may also troubleshoot and assist staff when glitches develop. You’ll have to stay up to date on the latest compliance and regulatory standards.
    Average annual salary: $68,400
  • Clinical Analyst
    You closely evaluate the data used to help improve workflow within the healthcare facility. You’re responsible for helping your employer to improve their overall clinical information systems. You’ll also hold a delicate balance between federal regulatory standards and efficiency, simply because you are handling sensitive, personal, medical information.
    Average annual salary: $69,700
  • Clinical Informatics Manager
    It’s your role to oversee the daily operations of clinical information systems within a healthcare facility. You’ll train and manage staff, monitor the budget, ensure all systems comply with state, professional, and federal regulatory standards. You may direct the staff as well. If you have a nursing or health informatics degree, this is a benefit.
    Average annual salary: $94,500

Options to Advance

Here you have two options to follow. First, if you already have a medical career, if you’re a nurse or doctor, then you can return to school for a Master’s in Health Informatics. Because of your medical knowledge, you’ll easily move into a leadership role. You’ll be able to build on your medical knowledge and accumulated medical experience. Then, you’ll be able to direct your career in a new direction.

Find Online Health Informatics Schools

Second, if you do not have a medical background but you do have one in the IT field, then you can take the necessary courses that will give you a basic knowledge in healthcare. Then, you can earn your master’s in health informatics.

Consider continuing in school or returning for your PhD in health informatics. Here, you’ll move more into research and academia. This option allows you to combine medical science with information technology, health policy, telemedicine, access to knowledge-based information and digital libraries, digital imaging systems, and clinical decision support.

Best Master of Science in Health Informatics Programs

  • Oregon Health & Science University
    Portland, Oregon

    OHSU is the only academic health center located in Oregon. It also holds distinction as the only university solely dedicated to advancing health sciences. This allows the institution to focus its resources on research to prevent and cure diseases, courses that prepare dentists, doctors, nurses and other health professionals to succeed in their fields.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MS-BI)

  • Boston University Metropolitan College
    Charles River Campus, Boston Massachusetts

    Metropolitan Campus (MET) is about flexibility and an invigorating exchange of ideas. You’ll connect to other students and faculty from all over the world. MET caters to professionals, lifelong learners, and international students. Take advantage of its flexibility to study when it’s convenient for you.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, with a concentration in Health Informatics

  • Southern Illinois University
    Carbondale, Illinois

    SIU was founded in 1869 as the state’s second teacher’s college. The Carbondale campus is the flagship of the system, located in the southern part of the state. It is a student-centered and research-intensive university, earning the 2015 community engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Health Informatics (MHI)

  • Northeastern University
    Boston, Massachusetts

    Northeastern University’s vision is entirely student-centered. Students benefit from experiential learning and are able to take part in exploration of their chosen majors. The student body is made up of more than 18,000 students. You’ll acquire the skills and knowledge you need for your future.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science in Health Informatics (MS-HI)

  • Davenport University
    Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Davenport University is a private, non-profit university with statewide and online campuses. The university holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, the International Accreditation Council for business Education (IACBE), and other accreditations specific to its colleges. Small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a dynamic curriculum benefit every student.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science, Health Informatics and Information Management

Traditional Schools Offering a M.S. in Healthcare Informatics

  • Arizona State University
    Tempe, Arizona

    Arizona State University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the entire country’s most innovative school. Here, faculty and students work side by side with NASA to develop new innovations in space exploration. ASU can count Pulitzer Prize winners and Nobel laureates as members of its faculty.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Online Master of Advanced Study in Health Informatics

  • University of Cincinnati Online
    Cincinnati, Ohio

    The University of Cincinnati Online works hard to provide high-quality, academic programs to students. As a premier research institution, the university offers opportunities for advancement to all of its students. When online education became available, the University of Cincinnati was one of the first institutions in the country to make online classes available.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Health Informatics (MHI)

    Search Programs Offering Health Informatics Majors

  • University of Central Florida
    Orlando, Florida

    In 1963, the university was founded. Now, offering more than 220 degrees at its 13 colleges, UCF now has a main campus, hospitality campus, downtown campus, health sciences campus, and online campus. UCF also benefits from its location close to one of the top research parks in the US and the university counts a College of Medicine at Lake Nona.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (MS-HCI)

  • Kent State University
    Kent, Ohio

    Kent State University was established as a teacher training school in 1910 and has since become a driver of cultural, economic, and workforce development throughout Ohio and the region.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science in Health Informatics (MS-HI)

  • University of Missouri (Mizzou Online)
    Columbia, Missouri

    The online portion of the University of Missouri is known as Mizzou Online. This program offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate options to each student. Mizzou Online assists UM’s schools and colleges, helping them to bring their courses and degrees online.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Master of Science in Health Informatics (MS-HI)

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